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Zesty Lime and Chili Infused Chicken Recipe

Zesty Lime and Chili Infused Chicken Recipe


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4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Lime and chili chicken brings fiery Mexican-inspired flavors to your dinner table, dancing with tangy zest and spicy undertones. Fresh ingredients and bold seasonings create a quick, mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 12 chicken drumsticks (skin on, bone-in)

Dairy and Marinade Base:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil

Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings:

  • 5 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 12 tablespoons chili paste
  • 2 limes (juiced)
  • 2.5 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin

Garnish:

  • Parsley

Instructions

  1. Meticulously cleanse chicken drumsticks, eliminating excess moisture with paper towels to ensure optimal marinade adherence.
  2. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking Greek yogurt, olive oil, crushed garlic, fiery chili paste, tangy lime juice, and aromatic seasonings into a harmonious blend.
  3. Submerge drumsticks completely in the zesty marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated; seal and refrigerate for 30-120 minutes to allow flavors to permeate.
  4. Heat oven to 375°F, positioning rack in center for uniform cooking.
  5. Transfer marinated drumsticks to a spacious baking dish, arranging them without overcrowding to promote even roasting.
  6. Roast chicken for 45-50 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it precisely reaches 165°F, indicating safe and succulent meat.
  7. Activate broiler for 3-5 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy exterior with delightful caramelized edges.
  8. Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute, then garnish with fresh parsley for a bright, herbaceous finish.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken is completely dry before marinating to help the yogurt mixture adhere better and create a more flavorful coating.
  • Marinate chicken for maximum flavor by allowing it to sit in the refrigerator for the full 2 hours, letting the lime and chili infuse deeply into the meat.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, preventing overcooking while guaranteeing juicy, safe-to-eat chicken.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting chili paste amount, making the dish friendly for different spice tolerances.
  • Prep Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 263 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 610 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg